ENDICOTT JOINS COMMERCE BANK BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PITTSBURG, KS - August 13, 2002 - Wendell L. Wilkinson, president of Commerce Bank, Pittsburg, announces the addition of Adam C. Endicott to the bank's local advisory board of directors. Endicott is founder, owner and president of Unique Metal Fabrication, Inc., a manufacturer of full service structural and miscellaneous steel fabrication for commercial structures. The Company operates a 100,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility and employs 35 people.

Endicott is an active member of several industry-related associations including American Welding Society (AWS), Steel Plus Network, Associated General Contractors of Kansas and Tri-State Area Contractors Association. An AWS Certified Welding Inspector, Endicott has formal training in the areas of Quality Control and Safety and was a 2001 Nominee for Steel Plus Network's Rookie of the Year. Active with the Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce, Unique Metal Fabrication has been honored by the Chamber with the Award of Industrial Achievement in 1985, and received the Outstanding Business Award both in 1985 and 1996.

"Adam's addition to our local advisory board will provide us a direct perspective from the manufacturing community and sharpen our focus on local business needs, issues and opportunities," stated Wilkinson. "His work ethic and commitment to quality are commendable. He is a true entrepreneur."

Endicott and his wife, Karen, have been married 13 years and have one daughter, Kourtney, age five.

About Commerce Bank
Commerce Bank is the principal subsidiary of Commerce Bancshares Inc. (NASDAQ: CBSH), a $12.3 billion regional bank holding company. For more than 135 years, Commerce has been meeting the financial services needs of individuals and businesses. Commerce provides a diversified line of financial services, including business and personal banking, wealth management and estate planning and investments through its affiliated companies. Commerce Bancshares operates across three states with more than 340 locations and also has operating subsidiaries involved in mortgage banking, credit related insurance, venture capital and real estate activities.

For more information contact:
Susan Kirkman
Regional Marketing Manager
(417) 837-5333

Website: www.commercebank.com
e-mail: mymoney@commercebank.com
SYMBOL: CBSH

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